Susan Kabot: Investment in autism research is necessary

April 27, 2012|By Susan Kabot

It's time we treat Autism Spectrum Disorders like the global public health crisis it is.

We've recently seen a number of new and frightening statistics showing the increasing prevalence of ASD and the impact of this disorder on individuals, families and communities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say autism now affects 1 in 88 U.S. children and 1 in 54 boys.

Mothers of children on the spectrum experience stress at a level comparable to that of combat soldiers. They earn 35 percent less than other mothers and are less likely to be employed because of child care issues. The economic challenges to our communities are staggering.

Average life-time expenditures for children with ASD are $2.3 million. Non-medical costs, including special education and residential placements account for the highest proportion of expenses.

The total cost for those with autism in the United States for education, health care and other expenses is estimated at $137 billion per year, a figure that has more than tripled since 2006.

Many states have faced challenges funding their Part C Programs, which provide services to our youngest children with autism or at-risk for autism and other developmental disabilities. But the positive effects of providing the earliest intervention to our youngest children with autism are well documented.

We all share the economic costs of autism and we can all share in the solutions. It is up to everyone in our community to support early intervention, our school districts' programs for children with this challenging disorder, and increased funding for adult programs to serve the growing numbers of individuals on the spectrum.

Susan Kabot is executive director of the Autism Institute at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale.